Frost Dates for Abilene, TX 79606

Last spring frost March 26 · First fall frost November 12 · 231 frost-free days · USDA Zone 8a

Frost probability for 79606

Frost10%50%90%
Spring (last frost)April 12March 26March 8
Fall (first frost)October 26November 12November 28

Dates come from NOAA 1971–2000 freeze probabilities at the nearest reporting station (43.2 km away); the 50% date is the median year.

Frost dates by ZIP code in Abilene, TX

ZIPLast spring frost (50%)First fall frost (50%)Zone
79606March 26November 128a
79605March 28November 128a
79601March 28November 128a
79602March 24November 128a
79603March 26November 128a
79699March 28November 12Zone 7a

Month by month in Abilene

MonthWhat to do
JanuaryStart peppers and eggplant indoors 8–10 weeks before your last frost (around March 26). Start tomatoes about two weeks later, 6–8 weeks before last frost.
FebruaryStart herbs, basil, and squash indoors (4–6 weeks before frost). Direct sow peas, spinach, and lettuce if soil is workable.
MarchLast frost around March 26. Transplant cold-hardy crops (broccoli, kale, cabbage). Harden off tomato and pepper seedlings.
AprilFrost has passed. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, and basil outdoors. Direct sow beans, cucumbers, squash, and zucchini.
MaySuccession plant lettuce and greens. Keep beds weeded and watered consistently.
JuneHarvest regularly to encourage production. Monitor for pests and disease.
JulyMidsummer: harvest beans, zucchini, cucumbers. Start brassica seeds indoors for fall.
AugustDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
SeptemberDirect sow carrots and beets for fall harvest. Start fall broccoli and kale indoors.
OctoberFirst fall frost approaching (around November 12). Transplant fall brassicas. Sow spinach, arugula, and radishes.
NovemberFirst frost around November 12. Harvest tomatoes and peppers before frost. Cover cold-hardy crops with row covers to extend the season.
DecemberHarvest remaining cold-hardy crops: kale, carrots, and beets. Plant garlic bulbs for next year.

What grows in a 231-day season

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last frost date for Abilene, TX (ZIP 79606)?

The median last spring frost date for Abilene, TX (ZIP code 79606) is around March 26. This is the 50th-percentile date — meaning half of all years see frost end before this date. Use the 10% and 90% dates to understand the full range of risk in your area.

What is the first fall frost date in Abilene, TX?

The median first fall frost date for Abilene, TX is around November 12. Plan to harvest or protect frost-sensitive crops like tomatoes and peppers at least a week before this date to avoid losses.

How long is the growing season in Abilene, TX?

The frost-free growing season in Abilene is about 231 days. This window — from your last spring frost to your first fall frost — is when warm-season vegetables thrive. Cold-hardy crops like kale, spinach, and peas can extend your season by weeks on either side.

What USDA hardiness zone is Abilene, TX?

Based on frost date patterns, Abilene falls approximately in 8a. USDA hardiness zones are determined by average annual minimum winter temperatures and guide both plant selection and planting timing for your location.

When should I start tomatoes indoors in Abilene, TX?

Start tomato seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost date (around March 26). For Abilene, that's roughly January 30 to February 13. Transplant outdoors 1–2 weeks after your last frost.

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